The Legacy Tree Project
Meet the schools helping students turn learning into action through growing, caring for and planting native trees.
A school growing right now
Circle Cross Ranch Elementary
Contact: Katie Hansen
Active Schools
Circle Cross Ranch Elementary
Florence Unified School District
Contact: Katie Hansen
Want your school here? Get involved →
Bring The Legacy Tree Project to Your School
We bring curriculum, teacher training, growing systems and support to build a lasting growing program at your school. We're currently taking sign-ups in the Florence Unified School District and the Cave Creek, Scottsdale and Fountain Hills area.
Students plant the seeds that begin the Legacy Tree cycle. With a 14–18 month growing period, the trees they start will be cared for and carried forward by the students who come after them. The first class leaves its legacy by starting something another class will continue. While their trees are growing, students take part in a field experience that connects what they are doing at school to the places their trees can one day support.
Students plant the next round of seeds for the incoming class while taking part in their first restoration project, planting the trees that were started and cared for by the students before them. They carry one legacy forward while beginning the next.
Students plant seeds for the next incoming class, receive the trees grown by the class before them, and plant those trees in a new restoration project. They also monitor and report on the trees planted in Year 2, learning that restoration doesn’t end when a tree goes into the ground.
The school keeps the program going through its own partnerships. The Legacy Tree Project provides connections for tree donation and planting opportunities, but the school leads the growing, planting and projects.
What The Legacy Tree Project provides
Curriculum, teacher training, growing systems, implementation support, environmental knowledge, community partnerships, fundraising resources, supplies when available, restoration connections and evaluation.
What your school provides
A safe growing location, a reliable watering plan, participating students and staff and transportation for program field trips.
Invested back into your school
The Legacy Tree Project helps plan and build gardens, pollinator spaces, tree nurseries, irrigation improvements, shade, cooling and outdoor learning spaces.